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samedi 28 avril 2012

Enslaved by Starlight by Jessa Slade in the anthogology Hotter on the Edge

Happy Saturday,

Nearly the end of the month but i'm far from having finished with the subgenre of science-fiction romance because i've discovered several really good authors and series which i 'm a fan of. So, this month isn't the only one where you will get some review on that genre. However no need to wait so long, today you will again have a review about a novella and one post about a book and before May at least two others books of that genre will be reviewed and posted so enjoy!

First, we start with the last enovella published in the anthology Hotter on the Edge, called "Enslaved by Starlight" and written by Jessa Slade.

Transformed
by empathic crystals into the perfect paramour, Benedetta Galil is the last
treasure of her fading world. When raiders attack—seeking to corrupt the
crystals and conquer all of charted space—she gives herself as a prize to the
one man in the universe who values freedom over power. Mercenary sheership
Captain Corso Deynah left oppression behind him on a burning planet and has no
use for a sex slave, even one as seductive as Benedetta. But while he
stubbornly resists her body, her fierce spirit tempts him, and he will risk
everything—his ship, his seclusion, the very stars—to win not just her passion
but her love.

My opinion:

For a novella, the world seemed well constructed for me and the story
complete even if the ending opens a door for a sequel if needed. I enjoyed the
concept of the crystal and even more the way Corso tries to make Benedetta more
self conscious and willing to fight for her freedom too. Even it’s also true
that the plot isn’t very original you can spend a good time reading this story.
No background is needed to enjoy it. The violence is there yes but the story
isn’t dark. Also the romance isn’t immediate, but it’s perfect with the
psychology of the characters

Corso is a mercenary because of his honor
and the choices he made. It’s also the reason why he resists entering a new
conflict before the threat to loose his ship. Benedetta has grown in the
perspective to be sold one day and thus when she is “given” in exchange for the
safety of her planet and the population she agrees to it without any doubt
until the captain refuse her and call her a sex slave.Together they learn that there is more to it
and that while the link created by the special ceremony binding is special and
can be great, the choice to choose this life is also important.Both want to save lives and both are
attracted to each others while they try to understand what freedom really
means.

I wouldn’t mind a sequel with a bit more
of Icere, he would be a great addition to the staff on the ship.